Whitman Stories

For Kanesha Johnson ’23, Whitman College initially felt completely out of reach. After spending her teenage years in foster care, dropping out of college and taking community college classes while juggling multiple jobs and a family, she knew she needed her bachelor’s degree but saw herself enrolling in an online program.

A Whitman College alumna takes an active approach to educating others about climate change. Kim Smith ’90 started her journey as a sociologist and environmentalist at Whitman and has carried that work on by educating others with her motto educate, empower, engage.

The Whitman College Community Fellow Program is celebrating 10 years of serving the Walla Walla community and helping students gain valuable professional and life experience. The fellow program is community-driven—local nonprofits, schools and government organizations propose projects, and a CCEC committee selects up to 10 partner initiatives each year.

Whitman College students volunteer at the local SOS Health Services Clinic to gain valuable experience in the medical field. The SOS Clinic provides health care services to individuals with inadequate health insurance in the Walla Walla Valley, regardless of citizenship status.

At the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, Peter Harvey ’84 is retiring. Harvey served 25 years as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)—longer than anyone in that role in the history of the college. He began working for Whitman College in 1991 and was promoted to CFO in 1998. Among Harvey’s significant achievements was leading an investment of $125 million for new construction and renovation.

Here’s a preview of how the college and Whitman community will commemorate Whitman College’s 137th Commencement—and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments and bright futures of its Class of 2023.

Whitman College student Bertine Lakjohn ’23 sits down with Whitman Magazine to answer five questions about youth climate activism.

President Sarah R. Bolton and Whitman’s Board of Trustees pledge their commitment to diversity as the nation awaits the Supreme Court of the United States decision on the use of race in admission decisions.

Whitman students support community health and gain valuable experience at local clinic.

Whitman College junior Clare Hermanson has been selected as a 2023–2024 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, one of only 413 who earned the scholarship—among more than 5,000 applicants.